Kiev. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – February 07, 2021 – International News
The military that seized power in Myanmar during the coup blocked Twitter and Instagram in the country.
One of the largest Internet providers in the country – the Norwegian company Telenor – has confirmed that it has received instructions from the military to close access to these social networks indefinitely. The provider noted that he considers such a step excessive and violates human rights and that he conveyed this point of view to the military, the newspaper writes.
The military themselves have not yet officially commented on the situation. AFP, citing an unconfirmed document, said the decision to block was justified by the unrest allegedly perpetrated by these services.
These are not the first social networks to be blocked in Myanmar after the military coup. Almost immediately after the change of government in the country, its inhabitants were deprived of access to Facebook. The military said it had decided to block the social network “for stability.”
Facebook, which also owns Instagram, called on the military to “reconnect and give people the opportunity to communicate with relatives and friends and receive important information.”
According to Reuters, Twitter representatives, in turn, said that blocking the social network “undermines public dialogue and violates the rights of people to be heard.”
Social networks have become the main place to discuss the coup for the people of the country. Facebook is considered to be almost the main source of information and news in Myanmar – and it is on this social network that many people in the country on February 1 actually watched the coup in real-time.
Three days later, the social network was blocked by the military – and the discussion of the situation moved to Twitter and Instagram. Thousands of users took part in it.
The coup in Myanmar took place on February 1. Myawady TV announced that power in the country is being transferred to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Min Aung Khlain.
The de facto leader of the country, Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s President Wing Myan, and other members of the ruling National League for Democracy’s political leadership have been arrested.
Although no violence was reported, the military blocked roads in the capital, Naypyidaw, and the country’s capital, Yangon.
The military later announced the removal of 24 government ministers and the appointment of new heads of a number of ministries, including finance, health, foreign, and home affairs.
The reason for the coup was the country’s last election, which was won by a large majority of supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi. The military says the vote was rigged.
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